The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on 25 November 2025 that every EU member state must recognise a same-sex marriage lawfully concluded in another member state for the purposes of EU rights.
In the case at hand, the court found Poland erred when it refused to recognise the marriage of two Polish nationals performed in Germany on the grounds that Polish law does not permit same-sex marriage. The judges held that such refusal violates EU law because it restricts the citizens’ freedom of movement within the Union and undermines their rights acquired in another member state. It also breaches the right to respect for private and family life, the court said.
The ruling clarifies that, while member states must recognise the family status lawfully obtained elsewhere so that EU-level rights can be exercised, Poland is not required to open marriage to same-sex couples under its national law.
Source: AMNA